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Dentist in Cancun, Mexico: Reviews and Costs of Dental Implants

Contributors:  Amanda Napitu

With the cost of dentistry in the US and Canada on the rise, many people are unable to afford the dental treatment they need. Even those with dental insurance can face high out-of-pocket costs for major work. Traveling to a dentist in Cancun, Mexico, is one way to save hundreds or thousands of dollars on your dental bill; it‘s a great excuse for a vacation.

With dental work in Mexico costing as much as 80% less than in the US and Canada, it's clear why so many people are heading overseas for their treatment. However, if you're considering getting treatment like dental implants in Cancun, there are certain things you'll need to consider. You probably have a lot of questions about how to choose a dentist and how to prepare for your trip.

If you'd like help finding a quality dental clinic in Cancun, Medical Tourism Corporation can help. They have many years of experience finding reputable dental clinics abroad for people from the US. They even provide dental vacation packages for optimal convenience. Get started with a free quote by filling in your details below.

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By submitting your details you agree to be contacted by a representative of MTC who will refer you to a suitable dentist

In this guide, you'll find lots of useful information about dental tourism in Cancun. We hope this helps you decide whether getting a dentist in Cancun, Mexico is right for you.

Why travel to a dentist in Cancun?

You can travel to a dentist in Cancun because it is a good place to get dental work done by professional dentists. Cancun welcomes around 5 million visitors a year and not all of these visitors come for Cancun dental tourism, of course, but a growing number are seeking restorative and cosmetic dentistry in Cancun.

Cancun dental trip
Enjoy a Mexican dental vacation in Cancun

The popular procedures include:

  • Dental implants
  • Dentures
  • Crowns
  • Veneers
  • Bridges
  • Teeth whitening
  • Root canal work

There are a number of factors that make dental tourism in Cancun such an attractive prospect:

Price

Even the best dental insurance policies rarely cover the full cost of dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures. People may pay for a small proportion of the cost of dental implants, but cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and veneers are usually excluded.

This leaves many Americans and Canadians unable to afford the treatment they really need for their teeth. But with Cancun dental prices offering savings of as much as 80% compared to average US prices, dental work becomes much more affordable.

It's the lower cost of living and high competition among dentists that help keep Cancun dental prices so low. In the following table, you can see the approximate costs for dental implants and other procedures in Cancun.

Approx US price

Approx Cancun price

Single dental implant

$1,500 - $6,000

$800 - $2,300

All-on-4 implants

$15,000+

$8,000+

Porcelain veneer

$500 - $2,500

$300 - $550

Root canal

$700 - $1,000

$200 - $500

Dental implants, which were first introduced around 50 years ago, have become increasingly popular since the 1970s as a viable option for replacing damaged or missing teeth, serving as an alternative to dentures or bridges. As you can see, Cancun dental implants cost hundreds and even thousands less than implants in the US, and there are hefty savings on other treatments as well.

dental tourism Cancun
It takes just a few hours to fly from many North American cities

Location

Other dental tourism hubs exist in Europe and Southeast Asia, but for most North Americans, Mexico is the closest location for cheap dentistry. Those living near the border might travel to Los Algodones or Tijuana, but for those on the East Coast looking for dental destinations, Cancun is the quickest flight to catch.

With these flight times to Cancun, Mexico, you can see how convenient it is to take the trip to save on dental work:

Origin

Average direct flight time

Miami

 1h 55m

New Orleans

1h 55m

Atlanta

2h 30m

New York

4h 10m

Washington, D.C.

3h 40m

Of course, because Cancun is a tourism hot spot in its own right, many dental patients take advantage of the chance to have a vacation at the same time. Playa del Carmen, 45 minutes south along the coast, and Progreso, a few hours west, are also good spots for a dental vacation.

Standards

Whether you're searching for a dentist in Cancun, Mexico, or anywhere else for that matter, you want the assurance that they work to high standards and with good quality materials. Although there are many excellent dentists in Cancun, there are also those who are less reputable. This is why it's so important to carefully research your choice rather than acting on a whim.

Do keep in mind that even the best dentists in Cancun may occasionally receive bad reviews. No dentist anywhere is perfect all the time, and occasionally, procedures fail. It's up to you to decide which one you feel comfortable with.

Unless you speak very good Spanish, you'll probably want to find a dentist who speaks good English. Fortunately, most Cancun dental specialists who market their services to foreigners have an excellent grasp of English. Still, it's worth asking to speak directly to your dentist so you can check you're comfortable with their level of communication.

Preparing for your Cancun dental vacation

Research

The first step for anyone considering getting dental work abroad should be research. When choosing a dentist, you need to consider:

implants cancun
Do plenty of research on both your dentist and your planned treatment
  • Whether they specialize in the treatment you need
  • How much experience they have
  • Whether their work on former patients looks natural to you
  • Their ability to communicate with you in English
  • The location of the clinic
  • What is included with your treatment package (e.g., airport pickups, accommodation, aftercare)
  • Whether you are looking for a Mexican dental vacation that's all-inclusive
  • How long your work is guaranteed for

You should also read up on the procedure you're having – whether that's implants, crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, or something else. This will help prepare you for the treatment so you know what to expect and the kinds of questions to ask your dentist.

Accommodation

Being a popular vacation destination, Cancun has all kinds of accommodations to suit different budgets and needs. You can live it up at a five-star resort on the beach or stay somewhere less extravagant but more affordable.

Your dental clinic may provide accommodation as part of your package. You might even be able to find a Mexican dental vacation that's all-inclusive. Alternatively, they may offer their patients exclusive discounts on certain accommodations in Cancun. It's worth asking before you book anything yourself.

You'll need to plan your vacation around the type of dental work you need. Some people choose to have a few days to rest before their first dental visit; others prefer to get it out of the way on the first day. You might need to make several visits, and if you have any lab work for bridges, crowns, veneers, etc., you will have to wait several days while your new teeth are prepared.

Be realistic about what you'll feel like doing during this time. If you have had an extraction or surgery like a bone graft or sinus lift, you might not want to hit the beach right away. If you have any kind of temporary teeth fitted, your dentist will probably advise you to stick to soft foods as well.

Money and payments

dental implants cancun mexico
Take some Pesos in cash for small transactions

In some towns on the border, like Los Algodones, you can pay for everything in US dollars. When visiting a dentist in Cancun, however, you'll need to carry pesos with you – at least to pay for taxis, food, and shopping.

Your hotel and dental clinic might accept payment in US dollars, but you'll need to check in advance. Keep in mind that paying by card may incur transaction fees from both the vendor and your card provider. To avoid these, find out if you can pay in cash.

Bringing a companion

Especially if you're having major dental work involving surgery, like dental implants in Cancun, it can be a good idea to have someone accompany you on your trip. They will be able to help you get back to your room to rest and ensure you have enough soft food on hand as you recover. If you experience any complications, they can also step in to help communicate with the dental clinic.

This does mean double the cost of airfares, food, and accommodation, but it can be worth it for the peace of mind. Plus, you'll have a friend or loved one to enjoy your vacation with.

Reviews of crowns, veneers & dental implants in Cancun

Reading Cancun dentist reviews should be an important part of your research. Your dentist will be happy to provide you with testimonials, but you should also seek out independent reviews since dental clinics can be very selective of the patients they showcase. Review sites and discussion forums are good places to start. You can also search for video reviews, which might give you a look inside the clinic.

A patient from Hawaii, US named Carrie Spranger talks about why she chose to get dental work done in Mexico instead of the US because of the very high costs.

After reviewing dental work in Mexico, she talks about how hard it was for her to find good dental care in Hawaii and how easy it was to get fillings taken out and root canals done in Mexico. Carrie discussed how MTC made her trip around Mexico easier and how she was able to get the results she wanted from her dental work in Cancun. She also recommended carrying out research and choosing a reputable dentist if you want to get dental work done in Mexico.

We have a separate article featuring more reviews of dentists in Mexico and helpful advice for anyone considering a dental vacation.

Conclusion

Cancun is a popular place for North Americans to go abroad for dental work. It's a quick trip across the border; there are plenty of quality clinics, and you can save thousands of dollars, depending on the treatment you need.

Seeking dental care, specifically dental implants, in Cancun, Mexico, proves to be a viable option for many people. Despite the cost-effectiveness, it's necessary to ensure that your chosen clinic has accreditation from recognized international organizations to guarantee adherence to hygiene standards.

FAQs

Are dentists in Cancun, Mexico, well-qualified and experienced?

Yes, dentists in Cancun are often highly qualified and experienced. Many have received their education and training from reputable institutions, and the dental clinics in the area adhere to international standards of quality and hygiene.

How do I find reliable reviews for a dentist in Cancun?

You can find reviews on various platforms such as Google and the Medical Tourism Corporation website. Additionally, reaching out to past patients through online forums or social media groups can provide firsthand experiences.

How much can I save getting a dental implant in Cancun compared to other locations?

Dental implant costs in Cancun are generally more affordable compared to many Western countries. On average, patients can save up to 50-70% on dental implant procedures in Cancun, making it a cost-effective option for those seeking quality dental care.

Is there a language barrier when seeking dental treatment in Cancun?

Many dentists and staff in Cancun are fluent in English, as they often cater to an international clientele. Language barriers are typically minimal, ensuring effective communication between patients and dental professionals.

How long does the dental implant procedure usually take in Cancun?

The duration of the dental implant procedure can vary depending on individual cases. However, in general, the process may require multiple visits over a few days to a couple of weeks, including the initial consultation, implant placement, and follow-up appointments.

Are there any additional costs beyond the initial dental implant procedure in Cancun?

While the initial cost may cover the implant procedure, additional expenses may include pre-operative exams, post-operative care, and any necessary medications. It's essential to inquire about a comprehensive cost breakdown before undergoing treatment.

Dentist in Cancun, Mexico: Reviews and Costs of Dental Implants
4.8 (95%) 4 vote[s]


Contributors:
Amanda specialises in writing informative content about dentistry. She has been a regular contributor to Dentaly.org since 2017, and collaborates with dozens of dentists to keep this content accurate and up-to-date.